Argyrosis of the lacrimal sac.

Silver deposition in the wall of the lacrimal sac after prolonged application of mild silver protein (Argyrol) eye drops is documented at the light and electron microscopical level. Silver granules were found in the extracellular matrix predominantly on elastic fibres and within cells forming conglomerates in secondary lysosomes. Most of the silver-containing cells showed a prominent rough endoplasmic reticulum, suggesting their fibroblastic origin. Investigation by energy-dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX) indicated the precipitation of silver as selenide.